General Nguyễn Khánh orchestrated a coup against the military junta led by General Dương Văn Minh in South Vietnam, marking a significant shift in the country's leadership dynamics. Occurring during a turbulent period characterized by internal strife and escalating conflict against communist forces, this coup was notably bloodless, showcasing a strategic maneuver in a fragmented political landscape. General Khánh, who had previously served as a key military leader, leveraged the dissatisfaction with Minh's governance to rally support among military ranks and political elites, allowing him to ascend without extensive bloodshed.

The backdrop of the coup involved increasing unrest within the South Vietnamese military and growing pressures from the United States to stabilize the regime against the expanding threat of the Viet Cong. Khánh’s takeover promised a new direction as he aimed to consolidate power and implement reforms that could better address the challenges faced by South Vietnam. His leadership style was characterized by a desire to engage in more aggressive military strategies against communist insurgents and to seek further cooperation with U.S. military aid.

However, Khánh's rule was not without controversy, as it would later be marked by further coups and political instability. His initial popularity slowly dissipated due to continued military failures and political infighting, leading to a climate of uncertainty in the region. The coup effectively altered the balance of power within South Vietnam and foreshadowed the ongoing struggles that would define the nation’s trajectory throughout the Vietnam War.